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New Age H13 Lucifer

Posted on December 8, 2019
/Under New Age Toys
/With 1 Comment

New Age Toys’ Air Commander Lucifer (aka G1 Starscream) has arrived at Junkion HQ!

The Box

The box is another Diaclone homage, this time to the F-15 Jetrobo.

Inside the box you’ll find two sets of instructions; a generic “Stormtrooper” set for the figure and one for the Spacebridge stand (which is covered in a separate post). For accessories you’ll find the stand, 2x cannons, open hands, pointed hands, 2x small blast effects, 2x engine blast effects, 2x bombs and Agamenmnon in pistol mode.

The Robot

Lucifer’s robot mode is an impressive rendition of Starscream from the original cartoon.

Even the back is nice and clean!

You can also use the front landing gear as a wrist communicator.

The F-15

Jet mode is equally impressive!

The effect parts in this release are two-tone. The jet blasts start as blue at the base and move to clear at the tips.

One thing to be aware of is that, due to the transformation joints in the tail fins, it is very easy to knock them out of alignment when handling the jet.

Lucifer droopy tail fins — *Exaggerated for dramatic effect*

Transformation Highlights

The robot chest inverts out of the underside of the cockpit…

…then flip out to form the chest…

…then everything folds up into the robot torso.

The outer edge of the robot legs pivots around…

…which positions the tail fins on the inside of the calf…

…so that they can be folded completely into the leg.

The Comparisons

Lucifer is a head shorter than Agamenmnon.

Lucifer is also twice the height of Flipper.

The Conclusion

Another impressive and fun addition to the Legendary Heroes line!

New Age Core Scenery Set B

Posted on November 30, 2019
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The second set of New Age’s display accessory line is here.

The Box

Like Set A, this comes in a very plain box.

Inside the box are the “Marble Throne” and the “Wicked Throne”. Like Set A, unpack this in a room you are about to vacuum because it will leave Styrofoam beads everywhere.

The Marble Throne

The good: the marbling effect looks great.

The bad: the scale doesn’t seem quite right for the Legendary Heroes line.

Core Scenery B Agamenmnon in the Mable Throne

The seat of the throne leaves Agamenmnon’s feet hanging like a child’s.

Core Scenery B Agamenmnon in the Mable Throne side view

The figure also cannot sit against the back of the throne.

Core Scenery B Agamenmnon in the Mable Throne angled view

The Wicked Throne

This is the throne that I was excited about sadly, although a little better, it doesn’t seem to quite fit with the figures.

Just like the marble throne, Agamenmnon doesn’t really fit the seat.

Core Scenery B Agamenmnon in the Wicked Throne

Core Scenery B Agamenmnon in the Wicked Throne side view

The Conclusion

Sadly, this set doesn’t really work for me so I cannot recommend it to accompany the Legendary Heroes line.

Get yours where I get mine: Show.Z Store – Tyrant Throne and Lincoln’s Ceremonial Chair

New Age Core Scenery Set A

Posted on November 30, 2019
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The first of New Age Toys’ Core Scenery sets has arrived!

The Box

The box, as appropriate for at item that will be part of the background of a display, is very plain – mostly flat orange with minimal text.

Inside the box are the “Repairing Platform” and the “Teletraan Base” packaged in a Styrofoam insert as well as a spare set of display decals. The insert is problematic and breaks down easily. I strongly suggest that you open this in a room that you are about to vacuum because there will be Styrofoam beads everywhere whey you’re done!

Repairing Platform

Core Scenery A Repairing Platform bottom

As many have noted, it does look like the base was designed to have several features; including a telescoping base and a hinged “pillow” section. I suspect these features had to be dropped when it was decided to make it a single cast piece.

Core Scenery A Repairing Platform pillow detail

The platform is just way too large to really fit with the Legendary Heroes figures and is nearly deluxe scale.

Core Scenery A Repairing Platform with Agamenmnon

Core Scenery A Repairing Platform with Prime

Core Scenery A Repairing Platform Miller can't reach — *Can’t quite reach…*

Core Scenery A Repairing Platform Millers making it work — *Making it work: aka – why we need translucent versions*

Teletraan Base

Bad news for customizers, since these are solid blocks it’s not really feasible to add any lights or screen effects.

The computer console is a much better fit for the Legendary Heroes.

Core Scenery A Teletraan Base with figures

Unfortunately the decals are not good. The graphics, taken without permission from Mandingo Rex‘s Teletraan-I Display Panels, are muddily reproduced and do not adhere well. As you can see from the photo above, mine arrived with one already fallen off. I suspect that New Age realized how poor the decals were after it was too late, which explains why they provide a spare set. I hope that Toy Hax or someone similar will put together a better set of screens.

Core Scenery A Teletraan Base loose decals

The Conclusion

For me, this was a bit of a miss. Although I like the console, it needs more to really bring it to life – either painted screens or better and original decals. The Repairing Platform is comically oversized for their Legendary Heroes figures.

Get yours where I get mine: Show.Z Store: Teletraan I Computer Control Center & Operation Table.

New Age H9EX Hynkel

Posted on November 10, 2019
/Under New Age Toys
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The chromed version of Agamenmnon has arrived!

The Box

As appropriate for a toy-inspired repaint, the packaging is based on the G1 box.

Inside the box are all of the same pieces included with Agamenmnon:

Sight/Fusion Cannon
Orange barrel plug
2x pointing hands
2x open hands
Smiling face
Silencer
Stock stem
Stock base
Key to Vector Sigma
Energy mace
Movie pistol
Pistol mode effects adapter (matte grey)

Due to the sheer number of accessories included with the H9 figures, there is a second insert to contain them.

The Initial Premium

Unexpectedly, Hynkel includes the same “Initial Premium” pack that Agamenmnon did.

The Robot

Just like Agamenmnon but shiny!

They’ve also added some nice details to the inner forearms.

The Pistol

The Comparisons

To match up with the chrome paint job, the pistol accessories are gloss black for Hynkel instead of the matte black for Agamenmnon.

Hynkel comparison with Agamenmnon — *Decepticon symbol sold separately*

Hynkel comparison with Agamenmnon side view

Hynkel comparison with Agamenmnon back view

Hynkel comparison with Agamenmnon pistol mode — *Decepticon symbol sold separately*

The Conclusion

I’m having real trouble deciding which version I like best. Hynkel’s chrome paint and red accents really pop.

Hynkel posed to show off red highlights — *Real despots wear red!*

Get yours where I got mine: Show.Z Store – New Age H9EX Hynkel

New Age H9 Agamenmnon

Posted on November 9, 2019
/Under New Age Toys
/With 5 Comments

The leader of the opposition (aka G1 Megatron) has joined the Legendary Heroes line!

The Box

The box is based on the packaging of the original release of the “Megatron” mold: Microman Gun Robo P38.

Agamenmnon box back — *No, NA hasn’t announced Constructicons yet. “Competing” products often feature in their promotional photos.*

Inside the box you’ll find more accessories than in any previous release:

Sight/Fusion Cannon (attached)
2x pointing hands
2x open hands
Smiling face
Silencer
Stock stem
Stock base
Key to Vector Sigma
Energy mace
Movie pistol
Pistol mode effects adapter

You’ll note that it comes with an orange plug in the barrel. No worries though, the plug is easily removable.

The Robot

The robot is straight out of the original cartoon!

There have been some complaints about the hips since the joints are below the pelvis, but it doesn’t really bother me.

The odd jointing will, however, be obvious in certain poses – including sitting in their upcoming Core Scenery throne set.

Agamenmnon hip extension — *That’s totally natural.*

The Accessories

Since there are so many accessories I wanted to give a few of them a closer look.

Agamenmnon spare face — *Put on a happy face!*

It’s hard to see from the photo but the pistol grip is painted black.

Agamenmnon movie pistol — *“No your Honor, I’ve never seen that weapon before in my life”*

Agamenmnon key to Vector Sigma — “Finders Keepers”

the mace is one solid piece that can be held, it does not replace the hand like in the cartoon

Like the original toy, the extra pistol parts can be assembled into a weapon platform.

The Initial Premium

New with Agamenmnon is an “Initial Premium” pack that will only be included with the first release of the figure. The pack contains five effects parts:

1x large blast
1x small blast
3x long blasts

Sadly, the small blast effect doesn’t really fit onto the 1986 movie pistol. The barrel is the right size but the sight prevents it from being connected securely. Since the effect parts are made of soft plastic, I’m sure you could force it over the sight, but I haven’t tried.

It does, however, attach to weapons included with other releases, Abadon for example.

The Pistol Mode

The pistol mode looks great, just remember to lock everything in place to minimize gaps.

The adapter looks a little odd when attached (perhaps it doubles as a “grenade”) but does allow you to connect the effect pieces.

Agamenmnon pistol mode effect piece adapter

You can also trick it out with all of the accessories

Agamenmnon pistol mode with all accessories

Transformation Highlights

One step of he transformation that was a pleasant surprise was that of the left arm into pistol mode. Despite the two arms looking the same, the left forearm splits and extends out to form the side of the pistol and cover the neck gap from robot mode.

Agamenmnon left arm transformation 1 — *The entire right side of the pistol mode is composed of the robot’s left arm …*

Agamenmnon left arm transformation 2 — … here’s the arm moved away from the pistol body …

Agamenmnon left arm transformation 3 — *… and the opposite side where you can see all of the parts tucked away …*

Agamenmnon left arm transformation 4 — *… the top folds up to make the shoulder and the fist is on a post which the entire forearm rotates around …*

Agamenmnon left arm transformation 5 — *… and done.*

The Conclusion

This is a fantastic version of Megatron, it has an amazing transformation that is both complex and fun.

According to New Age Toys, there is a “mystery accessory” for Agamenmnon that will be given to people who pre-order all three of their upcoming 1984 Seekers.

Get yours where I got mine: Show.Z Store – New Age H9 Agamenmnon

Update: New Legs with Leviathan

New Age Toys put together a new set of legs to go with their original Agemenmnon which was included with Leviathan for those who pre-ordered all three Stormtroopers.

Robot mode comparison — *Read all about Agemenmnon’s New Pants!*

New Age H7B Riddick

Posted on November 1, 2019
/Under New Age Toys
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Riddick, aka Diaclone Onebox Cherry Vanette, has arrived at JunkionHQ!

The Box

As is becoming the signature of New Age Toy’s Multiverse sub-line, the box features a drawing of Riddick instead of a view of the toy.

Although Diaclone inspired, the box art clearly shows Shattered Glass Optimus Prime “on the comm”.

Inside the box you get the standard instructions, two sets of extra hands, “liquid nitrogen” nozzle and rifle.

The Robot

Sharp-eyed readers might notice the blue eyes instead of the red shown on the box and in all of the promotional photography. New Age Toys is aware of the issue and will be producing replacement heads which will be shipped out to dealers.

New Age Toys has released a statement (translated by NOCV on TFW2005) about a factory error with Riddick. The eyes were supposed to be red but some were painted blue and some black. They will be sending dealers properly painted replacement heads. On the plus side, now you can mix and match to give McCoy some color contrast if you got the blue-eyed version or make your own Zombie Ironhide with the black-eyed version.

The Vannette

The nannette looks good in black.

The Name

Following their pattern, the name presumably comes from Riddick (2013).

The Conclusion

Diaclones unite!

Get yours where I got mine: Show.Z Store – New Age H7B Riddick

New Age H7 McCoy

Posted on September 7, 2019
/Under New Age Toys
/With 1 Comment

McCoy, aka G1 Ironhide, has arrived at JunkionHQ!

The Box

Inside the box you get a rifle, two sets of spare hands, a liquid nitrogen dispenser and sheet of instructions.

The Robot

Like Miller, the robot mode is a great representation of the animation model.

One thing that you might have noticed in the box contents photo above is that the extra posed hands are all molded in black where the fists are grey.

The Vannette

Also like Miller, the vehicle mode is spot on.

The Name

I feel that the name comes from the Hatfield–McCoy feud. However, but there is a strong argument by Autobrat Leader, TFW2005 boards that it refers to the McCoy Miller company which explains both van names.

The Conclusion

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Get yours where I got mine: Show.Z Store – New Age H8 McCoy

New Age H10, H11, H12 Psi Commando Set

Posted on August 18, 2019
/Under New Age Toys
/With 0 Comments

New Age Toy’s first G1-styled not-Decepticons have arrived!

The Box

Abadon, Berial and Asmodeus are bundled together in a box reminiscent of the original G1 packaging featuring the slogan “Psychic ready. My Command is your wish!”

Psi Commandos box — *Bugs not sold separately!*

The top and side of the box labels them as “Psi Commando” Abadon, Berial and Asmodeus.

Inside the box are the three bugs, each with a weapon and an Energon cube, and a large instruction sheet.

Unfortunately, possibly due to the plastic being used, every Energon Cube has a large flaw along one side.

H10 Abadon

Abadaon, was always most likely to be my favorite from this set. Kickback was the only Insecticon that I owned the first time around so it holds a special place for me. However, even if that wasn’t the case, this would still be my favorite Psi Commando!

Like the G1 version, Abadon’s chest opens

Unlike the G1 version, Abadon’s insect fore-legs are stored within the chest cavity.

One of my favorite parts of the transformation is how the shoulders lock into the wings for robot mode.

The robot arms form an abdomen for a more accurate grasshopper mode.

H11 Berial

Berial, aka Shrapnel, is my second favorite from this set, the biggest “flaw” is that the insect legs stick out of the robot back. I’m happy to overlook that considering how great the rest of the figure is.

Like the G1 version, Berial’s chest opens.

When transforming to stag beetle mode, the fists lock into the legs for stabilization.

H11 Asmodeus

Asmodeus, aka Bombshell, has one flaw in robot mode, no ankle tilt like the rest of the set. This is necessitated by the transformation mechanics and it’s certainly not a fatal flaw.

Bombshell’s “Twin Ion Impulse Blaster” from G1 is absent, replaced by a larger version of the rhinoceros beetle horn which makes his insect mode toy accurate and his robot mode anime accurate.

Like the G1 version, Asmodeus’s chest opens but, due to the transformation mechanics, the head is attached so it has a very different effect.

When transforming to rhinoceros beetle mode, the fists lock into the legs for better stabilization.

The Comparisons

I was never fully satisfied with the Legend Class Insecticons. Being released in three separate lines the colors don’t match.

The only Legend Class Insecticon that almost fits with these is Chop Shop who, as a Deluxe Insecticon stands a little taller.

The Conclusion

I can’t recommend this set enough, the figures are super fun and, despite their size, come very close to Manero, their best figure to date.

And they’re not done yet! There are at least two more versions of the Psi Commandos on the way (anime repaints and the translucent version) with rumors of a Diaclone repaint to follow.

Get yours where I got mine: Show.Z Store – New Age H10, H11, H12

X-Transbots MM-VIII Arkose

Posted on August 11, 2019
/Under X-Transbots
/With 0 Comments

The 2019 version of Arkose comes in two versions, one for each generation:

Supposedly, the 2019 version includes several updates:

Easier transformation, including a higher roll-cage
Shortened heel spurs
Fully metallic paint
Stronger tabs to eliminate stress marks

I don’t have the original so I cannot verify any of these.

The Box

One confusing thing is that the back of the box for the G1 version shows the G2 version and vice versa. I suspect that this is why I originally received two G1 versions instead of one of each.

The Figure

The figure looks dead on although the shoulders do not lock into place well and are constantly sliding up.

The Dune Buggy

Unlike other MP Beachcombers, Arkose transforms into an accurate Chenowth type fast attack vehicle, which is a big plus for me.

There are some surprising details in vehicle mode like the first aid kits on the back of the seats.

The dune buggy looks great, but the transformation is not fun. Also, I hate the roll cage, which is just a series of tubes that hold together by friction and fall apart as soon as you being the transformation.

The Masterpiece

Arkose fits in perfectly with other Masterpiece-class figures.

The Conclusion

Although this figure looks great, for me, the play-ability is very low. Like their Ollie, it will remain on the shelf in robot mode.

Get yours where I got mine: Show.Z Store

* “That One Episode” – the obligatory accessory that the character used once in the cartoon.

New Age H8 Miller

Posted on August 11, 2019
/Under New Age Toys
/With 2 Comments

New Age Toy’s Miller (aka Gi Ratchet) has arrived. They’ve released so many figures in such a short amount of time it’s been hard keeping up! McCoy and the Insecticons are already in the mail with Riddick and the anime-Insecticons ready to ship.

The Box

Inside the box, you get two extra sets of hands, a Marvel Comics-inspired red helmeted head, welder hand, a rifle and, unexpectedly, Ironhide’s liquid nitrogen dispenser attachment.

The Robot

The robot mode looks pretty good but it’s not without issues.

For many people, the visible pins in the legs will be enough to ruin the figure. For me I don’t mind too much although I do with they had been capped or painted, perhaps they will be in an H8EX release.

The big issue for me is the fact that the chest and shoulders do not lock into place. The shoulders tend to wander a bit whenever you move the arms.

I didn’t expect to like the Marvel Comics head but it makes a nice contrast to the all-white robot mode and I plan to keep it installed.

The Vannette

The vehicle mode is very true to the source however you do need to be careful to keep the panels properly aligned to minimize gaps.

The Name

According to speculation by Autobrat Leader, TFW2005 boards Miller is named after an emergency vehicle company called McCoy Miller.

The Conclusion

Overall this is a great toy with a surprisingly complex transformation for a toy on this scale.

Get yours where I got mine: Show.Z Store – New Age H8 Miller